Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Deforestation: Main Issues

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The Objectives stage serves to clearly establish the focus of the lesson, directing both the teacher and the students to the most critical and relevant aspects of deforestation. This section helps ensure that at the end of the lesson, students will be able to not only recognize the problems of deforestation but also understand its direct implications on communities and the environment. A clear definition of objectives helps to maximize the efficiency of learning during practical activities.

Main Objectives:

1. Identify and discuss the main problems caused by deforestation, including environmental and social impacts.

2. Analyze how deforestation affects the local biome and the quality of life of populations living in deforested areas.

Side Objectives:

1. Develop argumentation and critical thinking skills when discussing solutions and alternatives for the problem of deforestation.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of the Introduction stage is to engage students with the theme of deforestation, using problem situations that they can relate to their prior knowledge. It also seeks to contextualize the relevance of studying deforestation, showing how it affects not only the environment but also society and the economy. This helps create an emotional and intellectual connection to the subject, laying the groundwork for a more in-depth and meaningful study.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Imagine that in a small town near the Amazon rainforest, a company is planning to expand its operations by cutting down a large area of trees. What would be the possible impacts of this deforestation on local communities and the environment?

2. Consider that a farmer decides to deforest an area of the cerrado in Brazil to plant soybeans. What would be the immediate and long-term effects of this deforestation on biodiversity and the quality of life of local inhabitants?

Contextualization

Deforestation is a global problem that affects not only the directly impacted areas but the entire planet. Interestingly, many discoveries of new species and medications come from tropical forest regions, highlighting the importance of preserving these biomes. Additionally, deforestation is linked to social issues such as the displacement of traditional communities and the loss of livelihoods. These aspects make the study of deforestation not only academic but crucial for understanding how our actions influence the world around us.

Development

Duration: (75 - 85 minutes)

The Development stage is designed to allow students to apply the knowledge acquired about deforestation in a practical and interactive manner. Through playful and collaborative activities, students will explore the complexities of deforestation, develop critical analysis and problem-solving skills, and learn about the importance of collective action in environmental preservation. This section is crucial for transforming theoretical knowledge into practical and attitudinal competencies, preparing students to be agents of change in their communities.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Deforestation Detectives

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Develop skills in critical analysis and synthesis, as well as understanding the complexity and different facets of deforestation.

- Description: In this activity, students will be divided into groups of up to five people and will take on the role of environmental detectives. Each group will receive a fictional case of deforestation in a specific region of the world. They will analyze maps, reports, and photos to identify the causes and consequences of deforestation, and present their findings to the class.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of a maximum of five students.

• Distribute the deforestation cases, each with a specific scenario and visual resources.

• Guide students to analyze the materials and discuss the possible causes and impacts of deforestation in their regions.

• Each group will prepare a 10-minute presentation to share their findings with the class.

• At the end of the presentations, encourage a discussion on possible solutions to deforestation based on the groups' analyses.

Activity 2 - Forest Future Builders

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Promote the understanding of how local action can impact globally, in addition to developing research and presentation skills.

- Description: Students, organized in groups, will have the mission to 'reconstruct' a devastated forest through a reforestation project. They will need to research local species, soil and climate conditions, and propose an action plan, also considering the need to involve the local community and government bodies.

- Instructions:

• Organize students into groups of up to five participants.

• Provide research materials such as books, internet access, and brochures on local species and reforestation techniques.

• Guide groups to develop a reforestation plan, considering the most suitable species, planting schedule, and community involvement.

• Each group will present their plan to the class, which will act as a 'forest council' and give feedback on the viability and effectiveness of the project.

• Conduct a vote to choose the most comprehensive and viable project.

Activity 3 - Survival Game in the Forest

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Encourage critical thinking and understanding of the impacts of deforestation, in addition to promoting teamwork and decision-making.

- Description: Using a board game created by the teacher, students will simulate the challenges faced by animals and human communities due to deforestation. The objective of the game is to reach a 'safe zone' on the board, making decisions that minimize the impacts of deforestation.

- Instructions:

• Prepare a game board with different areas representing biomes and levels of deforestation.

• Divide students into groups and explain the rules of the game.

• Students, in their groups, will need to make strategic decisions to 'migrate' across the board, facing the challenges and opportunities presented.

• At the end of the game, discuss with the class the strategies adopted and the results obtained, relating them to real deforestation situations.

• Ask each group to write a short report on the strategies used and what they learned from the game.

Feedback

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate the knowledge acquired during practical activities, allowing students to articulate what they learned and share insights with their peers. The group discussion helps reinforce learning, stimulates critical thinking, and promotes a deeper understanding of the issues related to deforestation and its consequences. Moreover, this exchange of ideas and experiences fosters a collaborative and respectful learning environment.

Group Discussion

After completing the activities, gather all students for a group discussion. Start the conversation with a brief introduction, praising everyone's effort and highlighting how teamwork and different perspectives enriched the learning. Then ask each group to share the main discoveries or solutions they found during the activities. Encourage students to express their opinions and reflect on what they learned from their peers' presentations.

Key Questions

1. What were the main challenges you faced when analyzing deforestation in your cases and how did you overcome them?

2. How can the solutions proposed by other groups be applied in real deforestation contexts?

3. What did you learn about the importance of environmental preservation and how do you intend to apply this knowledge in your daily life?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The Conclusion stage aims to consolidate learning by connecting the key points discussed during the lesson and reinforcing the importance of the content to the students' lives. This moment allows students to reflect on how the knowledge acquired can be applied in real and everyday situations, as well as highlight the relevance of environmental preservation in the global context. The conclusion serves as a moment of synthesis and reflection, essential to ensure that the learning objectives are fully achieved.

Summary

To wrap up, the teacher should summarize the crucial points discussed about deforestation, reinforcing the environmental, social, and economic impacts addressed. It is essential to recap the main causes and consequences of deforestation and how these aspects interact in the global context.

Theory Connection

During the lesson, the interconnection between theory and practice was clearly demonstrated through activities that simulated real deforestation situations and proposed practical solutions. This approach allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, reinforcing learning and understanding of the discussed themes.

Closing

The importance of the theme of deforestation goes beyond the classroom, directly impacting the lives of all people and the balance of the planet. Understanding these issues is crucial for students to become aware citizens capable of actively participating in environmental preservation, whether through small daily actions or broader projects.